Winterfest
About Winterfest...
Established in 2004, Ellington Annual Winterfest and Tree-Lighting Ceremony is held the first weekend in December. The weekend includes a series of events to promote community and holiday spirit in the Town of Ellington. Events typically include the Tree-Lighting Ceremony, a Holiday Concert, Open House at the Nellie McKnight Museum, the Torchlight Parade, and Photo Opportunities with Santa and Mrs. Claus, Frosty the Snowman, and Rudolph and Red-Nosed Reindeer!
Winterfest will be held on Saturday, December 2nd, 2023! There are plenty of festive events scheduled for the weekend, including on Friday, December 1st. Saturday's outdoor events begin at 4:15 pm on the Green with music, a visit from Santa and the lighting of the trees, all culminating in the Torchlight Parade at 5:15 pm.
The Ellington Winterfest will be spreading joy once again this holiday season beginning Friday, December 1st through Sunday, December 3rd with many activities by several Ellington organizations at various locations planned.
Friday December 1st features the Ellington Singers Holiday Concert and Sing-Along at the Ellington Senior Center beginning at 7:00pm.
A Holiday Market at the Ellington Farmers' Market runs from 9am-noon at the Ellington High School. Ten local crafters and artisans have been invited to join the 30 full time vendors who will be bringing a great selection of local farm products, specialty foods, bath, body and home products all sourced or made locally.
Saturday’s activities continue at 10:00 at the Hall Memorial Library with a Christmas Ornament Work Shop for kids ages 3-12. Pre-registration is required. Additional craft activities provided by the St. Lukes Youth Group and the Crystal Lake Community Methodist Church plus musical entertainment will be held from 5pm-7pm, no registration is required.
Also on Saturday, the Holiday Marketplace and Christmas Boutique at the Nellie McKnight Museum will be open from 10am-7pm. The Marketplace features many Ellington and Connecticut-themed items plus local artisan wares. The Christmas Boutique features previously-loved Christmas and Holiday items at incredible pricing. Hot chocolate, cookies and hotdogs will be available. The Holiday Marketplace will be open again on Sunday from 10am-2pm.
A live nativity and collection nativity sets from around the world will be on display at the Church of the Latter-Day Saints on Maple Street from 5:30 – 8:00 pm on Saturday.
The Ellington Congregational Church will open its display of the Gingerbread House Contest at 2pm. Their musical program will begin at 3pm and features bells and piano music and a sing along carol session. A family-style dinner will be served from 4pm until 6:30.
Events on the Town Green will begin at 4:00pm with the arrival of Mrs. Claus and Rudolph. The elementary school choir will be preforming, and the tree lighting ceremony is scheduled for 4:45. The much anticipated torchlight parade begins at 5:15 on Main St.
All activities for the 2023 Ellington Winterfest are free and open to all.
